Anyone here actually off roading their GX460? How capable are they and how are the aftermarket parts?

I'm seriously debating between a 4runner, tacoma, and GX460. They each have their up's just can't decide on which.

 

I don't, but I've looked into it for when the car gets older. I haven't really found many people at all who have "upgraded" their GX460s for better off road use. Perhaps they aren't cheap enough yet. The few examples I've seen seek out Prado parts if I remember correctly.

The body is the most limiting factor initially, in my opinion. The bumpers and running boards really limit what you can do. I would love to see more people seriously upgrading their GX 460s for off road use.

 

Thanks for the reply.

Would you agree that the GX from the factory is not capable of intermediate level of off-roading due to its bumpers and running boards?

 

I guess that would depend on what is considered intermediate. I don't have enough experience off-roading to say for sure, but I would think that some of the body pieces are the primary things holding it back. The running boards are easy to remove and can be replaced with slimmer versions that sit closer to the body. While that won't improve approach and departure angles it will definitely help the breakover.

 

Answer to your question is Yes, but if you plan to do occasional to a lot of offroading then I'd recommend the Runner or the Taco. Your approach angles are much lower and aftermarket support for 460 is minimal as opposed to the other two. You're not doing hardcore stuff without dinging the front and rear bumpers on these things.

 

Your GX will get you where you need to go.

If you're trying to follow the runners and wranglers at an offroad park, or take a bunch of stretch pics on a rock or something, probably not, unless you're willing to swap body parts.

Other than that, from the factory, the GX is far more capable than a base 4runner or Tacoma. But if you option the Toyotas up they will have more capability OEM than the GX.

 

I bought my GX with light off roading in mind. For fire roads its holds up fine, on some of the more technical stuff you can feel the size and the bumpers rubbing the ground. I plan to do a light lift and add some all terrain tires to get it to where I'd be happy with its capabilities. If you need the vehicle for getting to hard to reach places, I'd definitely stick with the more nimble/lighter Toyotas.

 

Hey Nickk6, is this down in Southern California? If so, is this a state offroad park or just some fire roads you found?

 

I think these pictures are from Blue Jay Campgrounds off of Ortega highway. If you are looking for something a little more exciting there are better trails off the 15 freeway.

 

My GX460 regularly takes me off-road in the mountains of Colorado. It will go most anywhere a 4Runner will go. Yes, you must pay attention to your running boards. That's a matter of good driving. Your GX can go amazing places, and do it WELL.

 

Thanks for the reply.

do you feel that crawl control is a must on gx? Is luxury model even worth the money?

 

Those are both subjective questions. Crawl control is not a must, its a nice option if you are using it, again, same with the luxury package. I drove the Luxury model and bought a base, but the Luxury was much nicer driving. Handling and braking are a lot better with air suspension, but then you are limited if you want to do anything aftermarket.

 

I agree with Nick. Crawl is not a 'must'. But, if you do some serious off-roading, it sure is nice - and it works! The same goes for 'Down Hill Assist' and '4-wheel Lock'.
Those feature are probably never used in 95% of the GX's; nor do most GX owners have any idea as to what they are for. However, for those of us who do use those features, they are very useful and dramatically expand the capabilities of the vehicle.

I also agree with Nick about the 'Ride Control' with the luxury package and air suspension - That it really limits one's ability to add any aftermarket suspension accessories, such as a slight lift. For those of us who do go off-road, a 1.5 or 2 inch lift would be beneficial in many cases.

 

The GX can be pretty capable offroad. Here's a video of a mildly modified GX with upgraded suspension and tires.

 

Another good resource for GX 460 off road mods is the 150 Series forum on ih8mud.com.